Trump slams Democratic senator who criticized him on CNN

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) appeared on CNN New Day this morning, praising the free press and warning of what he says is a politicization of the Justice Department "for personal ends" by the Trump administration:

The response from Trump:

"Interesting to watch Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut talking about hoax Russian collusion when he was a phony Vietnam con artist! ... Never in U.S.history has anyone lied or defrauded voters like Senator Richard Blumenthal. He told stories about his Vietnam battles and.... conquests, how brave he was, and it was all a lie. He cried like a baby and begged for forgiveness like a child. Now he judges collusion?

One history note: The paper that broke the story about Blumenthal's Vietnam War claims? The NYT, which Trump called "totally inept" in a tweet earlier Monday.

Update — Blumenthal responds: "Mr. President: Your bullying hasn't worked before and it won't work now. No one is above the law. This issue isn't about me - it's about the Special Counsel's independence and integrity."